AD/PC-6/28 Amdt 1 - Wing Strut Attachment - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B06131, introduce an amendment to the Airworthiness Directives concerning Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. This amendment, specifically AD/PC-6/28 Amendment 1, pertains to the inspection of wing strut attachment to address issues related to corrosion. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislative instrument aims to enhance the safety and reliability of the specified aircraft models by extending the inspection interval for corrosion in the wing strut attachment from more frequent intervals to not exceeding 100 hours of time in service, based on service experience detailed in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 93. The policy objective is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes by implementing less frequent but thorough inspections.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to all Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 338 to 701. The legislation mandates inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service for corrosion in the wing strut attachment, as outlined in the Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 93. This directive ensures the maintenance of airworthiness standards for the specified aircraft models, reflecting the need to periodically inspect and address potential corrosion issues to ensure safe operation. The applicability of this directive is confined to the mentioned aircraft models within the designated serial number range and does not extend to other aircraft types or models outside this scope. The directive applies nationally, aligning with the regulatory framework established under Australian civil aviation laws.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39, Section 105, includes specific directives for maintaining airworthiness in various aircraft models, one of which is the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. The relevant section here is AD/PC-6/28 Amendment 1, which pertains to the inspection of the wing strut attachment (1). This directive applies to all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 338 to 701 (2). The requirement is for inspections to be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service (3). This amendment is based on Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 93, which was issued to address observed service experiences indicating that the frequency of corrosion inspections in the wing strut attachment could be extended without compromising safety (4). Compliance with this airworthiness directive is mandatory for all operators of the specified Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. Operators must ensure that inspections are conducted strictly according to the outlined intervals, utilising the procedures and standards as specified in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 93 (5). These inspections are critical to maintain the structural integrity of the wing strut attachment and ensure that any signs of corrosion or other detrimental conditions are identified and addressed promptly. The directive underscores the importance of regular and thorough inspections to avoid any potential hazards during flight operations. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/PC-6/28 Amendment 1 could result in serious safety implications and potential regulatory consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with such directives may be considered a breach of the operator's obligations to maintain airworthiness, leading to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In severe cases, non-compliance could result in penalties, including fines, suspension of air operator certificates, or other administrative actions as deemed appropriate by CASA (6). The exact penalties may vary based on the severity and circumstances of the breach, but they are designed to enforce stringent adherence to safety standards. The penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can be substantial. For instance, in civil cases, the maximum fines can reach up to $210,000 for corporations and $42,000 for individuals, depending on the nature and extent of the violation (7). Criminal penalties may also apply, with imprisonment terms that could extend up to five years for serious breaches that result in significant risk to aviation safety (8). These penalties underscore the critical importance of adhering to the specified inspection intervals and procedures as mandated by the airworthiness directives.